Cornell faculty senate votes no confidence in university leadership over sexual assault handling

Cornell University's Faculty Senate approved a resolution declaring no confidence in the university's top leaders, reflecting dissatisfaction with how the administration handled a 2024 alleged sexual assault case, PBS NewsHour reported. The vote passed 75-50, with some abstentions and non-votes, signaling concern over institutional failures related to sexual misconduct at the university.

The resolution followed a lawsuit filed by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleged she was given ketamine and raped at a Chi Phi fraternity party in October 2024. All accused men have denied the allegations, according to PBS NewsHour and CBS News.

Faculty senators expressed that the vote was a call for systemic change rather than symbolic, emphasizing the need for meaningful steps to reduce sexual assault and support survivors, CBS News said. The vote does not require university leaders to resign but is intended to pressure trustees to address the issues.

The Board of Trustees acknowledged the faculty's anger but stated that current leadership remains the appropriate team to address the problem thoughtfully, according to PBS NewsHour. The vote is unprecedented in the Faculty Senate's 56-year history, as noted by the university's chapter of the American Association of University Professors, CBS News reported.

The no-confidence resolution does not directly affect leadership positions but highlights ongoing campus distress and calls for reform in handling sexual violence, NBC News added. The university is expected to release official statements following the vote, ABC News noted.